#cake2016

CAKE 2016 wrap-up post

So it’s been a couple weeks and I’m finally able to take a moment to talk about how incredible this year’s Chicago Alternative Komics Expo (@cakechicago) was.

I was completely humbled and honored to be a special guest at this year’s CAKE.  CAKE has always been one of my favorite shows, so the chance to be involved in a more prominent fashion meant a lot to me.

My favorite aspect of CAKE has always been the diversity and quality of work present at the show.  I usually end up spending tons of money at the show, and discover at least 2-3 artists I’d never heard of before.  This year was no exception, as the floor was packed with different kinds of people making completely unique comics.  Above are some snapshots of my haul.  Including (in no particular order):

M.R. Trower’s ( @inkmaggot ) new comic Bad Dog, an account of Matt’s voluntary hospitalization.

Rosemary Valerie-O’Connor’s ( @livertaker ) Black Sun Rising, which is the first chapter of a creepy but beautiful story of friends (?).  It’s gorgeous, check it out.

John Vestevich’s ( @johnvestevich ) Smelly Hippy Comics, weird experiments in the artform, and A. Afarensis, which is a (rough) day in the life of prehistoric man.

Ian McDuffie ( @letsgetreadytocrumble ) had a new edition of my favorite comic he’s done, Low Spark.  It’s a bit larger and has color (the original was b/w).  The oddly-shaped book is a fabulous experimental sci-fi-ey trip.

Amara Leipzig’s ( @amaraleipzig ) The Fifth Window.  Amara’s making comics that are unlike anyone else’s, exploring different modes of visual iconography.

Meaty Comics ( https://www.instagram.com/meatycomics/ ) had two books in the show, the Hillary-ous Shut Up & Take Your Medicine and a sketchbook full of some great ink work.

Ben Sears ( @bensears ) b/w & bluetone The Sweeper.  Ben does really cool stuff in his visual storytelling.  And his ability to show volume with limited line-weight is some kind of sorcery.

Josh Shalek’s ( @joshshalek ) newest issue of Welcome to Falling Rock. Josh is an ol’ comics pal and I’m always impressed with the cartooning and subtle humor in his work.

Ezra Claytan Daniels ( http://www.ezracdaniels.com/ ) Upgrade Soul: Volume 2.  Hey I inked 2 chapters of this book!  But don’t be fooled by my involvement, it’s the best scifi book out right now and you need to read it.

Trubble Club’s ( @trubbleclub ) jam comic compilation Tiger Beatty.  Man, I LOL’ed many times reading this.  Some perfect puns await you within.

Emily Hutchings ( @emilyhutchings ) book Demons is a trip, containing minimal but powerful drawings coupled with poetic language.

Andy Glass ( @limbusland ) ghost story comic, I Will Eat Your Heart, which was unsettling, yet calm and thoughtful.

I’m sure I am missing some of my purchases here, but I am still working my way through a giant stack!